Chrysler SB 318/360 V8 HEI Distributor

The TSP HEI Distributor for Chrysler SB 318/360 is a self-contained ignition upgrade for the Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 family — 273, 318, 340, and 360 CID. It integrates a magnetic pickup trigger, ignition module, and a 65,000-volt coil into a single housing, so the whole ignition system connects to one 12-volt source with no external coil or ignition box to wire in.

This distributor requires a 12-volt electrical system with an alternator. It is not compatible with generator-based charging systems or vehicles still running a ballast resistor in the ignition circuit — the ballast resistor must be removed or bypassed before installation. Vehicles originally built with a 6-volt system (pre-1956) will need a 12V conversion completed first, or this distributor will not fire correctly.

Engine fitment covers the Chrysler LA small block family — 273 (4.5L), 318 (5.2L), 340 (5.6L), and 360 (5.9L) CID — commonly found in the Dodge Dart, Challenger, Ramcharger, Plymouth Fury, and Chrysler Cordoba. This distributor is not designed to fit Chrysler Magnum-series V8s.

 

What Is an HEI Distributor and How Is It Different From a Points Distributor?
HEI (High Energy Ignition) replaces the breaker points and external coil found in original Mopar ignition systems with a magnetic trigger and a high-output internal coil built into the distributor cap. Because there are no points to wear down or gap over time, an HEI-style distributor holds ignition timing more consistently and doesn't require periodic point-gap adjustment. If your vehicle currently has a factory points-style distributor, this unit replaces both the distributor and the ignition coil in one part.

Ballast Resistor and 12V Charging System Requirements
Factory Mopar points-style ignition systems often used a ballast resistor to limit voltage to the coil during normal running. This distributor's internal coil is designed to run on full battery voltage, so an active ballast resistor left in the circuit will cause it to run too cold, leading to weak spark or misfires. The ballast resistor should be removed or bypassed as part of installation, and the vehicle must have a 12-volt charging system with an alternator — this unit will not operate correctly on a 6-volt or generator-based charging system.

Performance Benefit
The 65,000-volt internal coil delivers stronger spark output than a factory points-style distributor, supporting easier cold starts and more consistent spark across the RPM range. The magnetic trigger holds timing accurately without the wear and drift that accumulates in points-based systems over time. Mechanical and vacuum advance are both included, with a vacuum advance adjustment tool shipped in the box so the advance curve can be tuned for your specific engine and driving conditions.

COMPATIBLE WITH
CHRYSLER SMALL BLOCK "LA" V8
• 4.5L / 273 in³
• 5.2L / 318 in³
• 5.6L / 340 in³
• 5.9L / 360 in³

NOTES
• Fits Chrysler/Mopar LA small block V8 engines (273, 318, 340, and 360).
• HEI design with internal coil — no external coil or ignition box required.
• Not compatible with Magnum 5.2L or 5.9L engines (1992 and newer) — Magnum engines require a different distributor.
• The 360 was used in passenger cars through 1980 only; truck/van applications continued through 1992.
• Designed for carbureted ignition systems only.
• This distributor is designed for a 12 volt electrical system with an alternator. 
• It is not compatible with a generator and cannot be used with a ballast resistor.
• Distributor gear compatibility should be verified with camshaft material before installation.

COMMON VEHICLE APPLICATIONS
Plymouth Valiant / Dodge Dart (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1967–1976; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Barracuda / Dodge Challenger (273, 1964–1969; 318, 1970–1974; 340, 1970–1973; 360, 1971–1974)
Plymouth Duster / Dodge Demon (318, 1971–1976; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1976)
Plymouth Road Runner / Satellite / GTX (318, 1968–1975; 340, 1971–1973; 360, 1974–1975)
Dodge Charger / Plymouth Fury (318, 1967–1978; 340, 1968–1973; 360, 1971–1978)
Dodge Diplomat / Plymouth Volare / Chrysler Cordoba (318, 1975–1989; 360, 1975–1980)
Dodge Ramcharger / Plymouth Trail Duster (318, 1974–1992; 360, 1974–1980)
Dodge D/W-Series Trucks (273, 1965–1969; 318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge B-Series Vans (318, 1967–1991; 360, 1971–1992)
Dodge Li'l Red Express (360 EH1, 1978–1979)

SPECIFICATIONS
Trigger Type: Magnetic
Advance Type: Mechanical and Vacuum
Color: Available in Black, Blue, Red, Orange
Terminal Gender: Male
Mechanical Tach Drive: No
Rotation Direction: Clockwise
Slip Collar: No
Coil Included: Yes
Coil Type: Internal
Coil Output: 65000 V
Housing Material: Machined Aluminum
Ignition Box Required: No
Marine Use: No
Cylinders: 8
Vacuum Advance Adjustment Tool: Included
Installation Instructions: Included